Software solution targeting the configuration of Ethernet switches and endpoints in TSN networks

Overview

Centralized Network Configurator or CNC is a component used in Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) networks. The CNC monitors data streams while coordinating and managing network configuration. The Comcores CNC is based on the stream reservation protocol (802.1 Qcc) to optimize the efficient use of network resources and provide Quality of Service (QoS).

The software component of the CNC can give solutions for complex tasks such as Topology selection, Traffic type assignment, Routing, Scheduling and Bandwidth allocation.

The Comcores CNC targets TSN nodes such as endpoints and switches. It receives stream requests, collects the capabilities of the network entities, calculates the optimal configuration, and applies the configuration to the network entities.

Comcores CNC is demonstrated on a Raspberry Pi model B revision 1.2 and the machine hosting CNC must support a Linux operating system. Comcores CNC is a software solution suitable targeting the configuration of Ethernet switches and endpoints in TSN networks.

Key Features

  • Read static topology from YANG compliant custom XML file
    • No automated check for updates of the topology file in static mode
  • Read dynamic Traffic Provision Request (TPR) from IEEE 802.1Qdj YANG compliant file
    • Multiple, consequent TPRs can exist in dynamic mode
  • Receive TPRs dynamically from CUC as IEEE 802.1Qdj compliant YANG messages (alternatively to above file modes)
  • Configuration parameters are computed incrementally for the critical streams taking into account configuration parameters from previous TPRs (if any), and are sent to the TSN switches and end-stations:
    • VLAN registration (YANG model IEEE 802.1Qcp)
    • MAC filtering (YANG model IEEE 802.1Qcp)
    • Gate Control List (GCL) as defined in IEEE 802.1Qbv (YANG model IEEE 802.1Qcw)

Benefits

  • Support for both dynamic and incremental client-based stream planning
  • CNC Planning features based on different user-defined constraints such as:
    • End-to-end latency
    • Incremental planning mode enables the adding of new data streams without affecting existing scheduled data streams
  • Netconf/YANG model-based deployment
    • Standardized Netconf 1.1 client interface towards TSN devices, and Netconf 1.1 server interface towards CUC
  • Target device types: TSN switches, endpoints or switched endpoints that support the following derived YANG models:
    • Scheduled Traffic – IEEE 802.1Qcw
      • Frame Premption – IEEE 802.1Qbu
      • Credit Based Shaper – IEEE 802.1Qbv
      • Time Aware Scheduler – IEEE 802.1Qav
      • Traffic Filtering and Policing – IEEE 802.1Qci
    • Time Synchronization – IEEE 802.1ASdn
    • Bridges and Bridged Networks – IEEE 802.1Qcp
      • VLAN and MAC services
    • UNI compliant stream requests – IEEE 802.1Qdj
      • Provisioning request (eg. Centralized User Configurator – CUC)
    • Link Layer Discovery Protocol – IEEE 802.1ABcu
  • Network discovery based on standardized topology file input

Block Diagram

Software solution targeting the configuration of Ethernet switches and endpoints in TSN networks Block Diagram

Deliverables

  • Installation guide
  • User manual
  •  Software Package

Technical Specifications

×
Semiconductor IP